Protective effect of ethyl pyruvate on ischemia–reperfusion injury in rat ovary: biochemical and histopathological evaluation

Abstract

BackgroundTo investigate the protective effect of ethyl pyruvate (EP), an anti-oxidant agent, against ischemia–reperfusion injury in a rat model of ovarian torsion, considering biochemical and histopathological aspects. MethodsForty Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups: Group I, sham operation; Group II, ischemia alone, Group III, ischemia–reperfusion; Group IV, ischemia–reperfusion+50mg/kg EP; and Group V, ischemia–reperfusion+100mg/kg EP. Through laparotomy, 360° torsion was performed and maintained for 3h, and detorsion was maintained for a further 3h. Intraperitoneal EP was given 30min before the surgical procedure. Ovarian tissues and blood samples were obtained after surgery. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) levels were measured in both plasma and tissue samples. Tissue sections were evaluated histopatologically. Analysis of variance was used for statistical analyses. ResultsIn both serum and tissue samples, ADMA and MDA levels were found to be significantly lower in the EP groups compared with the ischemia alone and ischemia–reperfusion groups (p=0.0001). However, no significant difference was found between groups treated with 50mg/kg or 100mg/kg EP. On histopathological evaluation, the total tissue injury score was found to be lower in rats treated with EP. No significant difference was detected between groups treated with 50mg/kg or 100mg/kg EP. ConclusionEthyl pyruvate may exert positive effects in ischemia–reperfusion injury in cases of ovarian torsion. However, no difference was detected between 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg EP.